Soapstone is extracted in large quantities in the state of Minas Gerais. Ouro Preto, former capital of the state, is nationally known for the extraction and processing of soapstone. This rock, also known as steatite, is mainly composed of talc and its color is white to gray or green, depending on the degree of iron contamination. Because of its soft texture, soapstone is ultimately suitable for sculpting and carving. For example, the famous Twelve Prophets of Aleijadinho in Congonhas are carved from soapstone, and Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro has a soapstone outer layer. In the center of the historic city of Ouro Preto, the local soapstone market is easy to find. Several independent sculptors offer their creations there. The patterns and designs may look the same, but a few managed to create unique images. The soapstone sculptors and carvers do the finishing touch at the market, as shown in the photo.

Itamaracá Island is located at about fifty kilometers from Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco. We took a taxi to Itamaracá; we managed to have a ride with no less than eight people in one taxi. Two in the front seat and six in the back. We enjoyed a sunny day at the beach on an island with a Dutch history: Forte Orange, built in 1631. Unfortunately, we lacked the time to visit the fort and the nearby village. However, we took a short walk along the fortress, so we could get a glimpse of the impressive structure. On the way back we saw a beautiful sunset. My eyes and my camera were focused on a sailing ship, which was moored near the beach. The sails of this ship were lowered, and coincidentally two people appeared in my composition, so it looked like they had arrived with the sailing ship.

It was just over a month since the carnival was held in Rio de Janeiro. The biggest party on Earth, as boasted by the Carioca’s (residents of Rio), had attracted many carnival revelers, and tourists from home and abroad. You would think that it would be quieter afterwards in the city, at least for some months. On the contrary. As seen in the picture, I witnessed a small show of a so-called bloco de carnaval, a carnival group. Back then it was Easter, this bloco used this theme in their call for attention to more tolerance and less violence and prejudice. The motley crew drew a lot of attention, especially from curious tourists, and I was one of them.

You can enter any Brazilian beach and you certainly will meet them: ambulant hawkers. These vendors evoke mixed feelings among the beachgoers, but they are usually respected and even appreciated. A small minority among the beachgoers consider them as intrusive and annoying, especially when they loudly shouting offer their wares as they shuffle through the loose sand. But in general, the vendors are appreciated, mainly because of the convenience: the beachgoers need not to leave their chairs or towels for a snack, a cheap souvenir object or a tube of sunscreen. Especially sellers of simple snacks and (alcoholic) drinks do good business. But it is certainly not an easy life, as seen in the photo. This vendor of tropical cocktails waits patiently for his clients, while he is using a homemade crutch to support his healthy leg. Hats off to this man ….

It’s no secret that there is much poverty in the large northeastern region of Brazil. There have recently been intense attempts by the federal government to eradicate absolute poverty of the regional population, with visible results. Nonetheless, poverty is still clearly visible there, even to the eyes of tourists and travelers who use the highways. At some locations, houses and huts have been built not far from the highway, and the local people seem to be undisturbed about the speeding fast traffic. A few people try to take advantage of the raised bumps at the city limits, and then try to sell vegetables, fruit, sweets or handicraft to drivers and passengers. Children also seem to have grown up with life along the highway. These children enthusiastically waved to us when our bus passed by their little house.

Pampulha Lake in Belo Horizonte attracts many day trippers and tourists who enjoy the natural beauty, the scenic beauty, or make a leisurely walk or bike ride. Especially on weekends many townspeople arrive at the lake for their leisure activities. And indeed, there is much to see and enjoy about this little piece of nature in the metropolis. Even though the lake suffers pollution because of wastewater and sewage, which are discharged into it, the lake is a favorite spot for many fish-eating birds. Likewise for the black cormorant, which reside at the lake in large numbers. It is not uncommon to see them hunting for fish, when they disappear completely under water for a few seconds. In the picture the feet of the cormorant seem to be missing, or might be fused with the twig protruding above the water.

Canoa Quebrada, a paradisaical beach resort at about 160 km from Fortaleza, state of Ceará, is known for its orange-red to reddish brown falésias (sandstone cliffs). From the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, these colorful cliffs form a wonderful composition with the blue sky and the azure blue ocean water. From the beach, so-called jangadas (flat-bottomed boats) are available for a short cruise. One can also take a dip (with life jacket) in the warm ocean water. Jangadas are part of Brazilian history: at the time of the end of slavery in Brazil, the leader of the jangada sailors – Chico da Matilde, known as “Dragão do Mar” – and his colleagues no longer accepted slave transports. This was the beginning of the total abolition of slavery in Ceará, and in Brazil.